US > mideast > within next 2 weeks. Advice and recommendations needed for first hikin

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US > mideast > within next 2 weeks. Advice and recommendations needed for first hikin

Hopefully I'm posting in the right section here. I'm currently trying to find a hiking trail near where I am in DC so I can go on a 3 days trip using my hammock (first time camping with a hammock). So far, I have the C&O canal route and Appalachian trail off I-66 heading north thru the GR Thompson state wildlife management area. Is this a good route?

I have not hiked multi-day before and have not camped with the hammock before either. It have been years since I have camped in general. So I am diving into this so I'm hoping for some advice as to finding a good beginner friendly section. I would go with someone but the people at my university seem to be extremely flaky and don't make any commitment on when to go. So I'm going ahead by myself. Don't worry, I know to keep my wife fully updated on my route and I will be keeping my phone (an old BlackBerry 8100 with a 3 days battery life) and other emergency items on me.

I have to do this within the next two weeks as my school semester starts in the last week of august.